19 Eye-Opening Stats That Prove Owning Less Can Save You Time, Money, and Stress
It sounds almost too simple, but the numbers tell a powerful story.
Most of us are stretched thin. We’re trying to keep up with work, family, bills, and a never-ending to-do list—while our homes quietly fill up with stuff we rarely use. And all that “stuff” doesn’t just take up space; it quietly drains our time, money, and mental energy.
If you’ve ever wondered whether decluttering or minimalism really makes a difference, these statistics might surprise you.
I’ve included sources for each stat at the bottom of this post—and links to a few of my favorite organization and decluttering articles to help you take action when you’re ready.
Let’s take a look at just how much less clutter can give you more life.
How Owning Less Saves Money
1. According to recent minimalism statistics, the average American spends $18,000 a year—or roughly $1,497 per month—on non-essential items.¹
This includes things like eating out, streaming services, subscriptions, and impulse purchases.
That’s more than many people’s savings accounts—and most of it adds little lasting joy or value to daily life. Minimalism helps reverse that trend. By becoming more intentional about what we bring into our homes, we can stop the constant cycle of buying, storing, and maintaining things we don’t truly need.
2. We buy an average of 68 clothing items per year, even though most of us wear only 20% of what we own.²
Americans also throw away about 81 pounds of clothing per person each year—much of it barely worn. All those choices create stress and decision fatigue, making it harder to get dressed, stay organized, and feel content with what we already have. Being more intentional about what we buy helps break that cycle—saving money, reducing waste, and creating a calmer start to each day.
3. Families spend $24 billion a year on toys.³
Parents spend an average of $240 annually, while grandparents spend about twice as much—around $500 per year. Despite the investment, it’s estimated that 20–30% of toys are rarely or never played with. Following the “20 Toy Rule” can help reduce clutter and encourage more imaginative, focused play. The idea is simple: limit a child’s available toys to about 20 at a time, and when a new one comes in, an old one goes out. It keeps playtime fresh without overwhelming kids—or your storage space.
4. Americans spend $14.6 billion a year on home organization products.⁴
Buying more bins isn’t the solution—owning less is.
5. $473 billion worth of food is wasted every year in the U.S.—about 38% of all food produced.⁵
That’s roughly $1,500 per household each year, thrown away in the form of spoiled groceries and forgotten leftovers. Simplifying your pantry and meal routine can help reduce waste and stretch your budget. Buying less, planning simple meals, and keeping shelves organized make it easier to use what you already have instead of overbuying.
6. We spend over $1,000 per year on subscriptions—$200 of it on unused or forgotten ones.⁶
Declutter your digital life the same way you would your home.
7. Impulse spending adds up to $150 per month on average.⁷
Less clutter = fewer triggers to shop “just because.”
How Owning Less Saves Time
8. We spend two hours a day shopping for or taking care of things we own.⁸
That’s more than 700 hours a year—time that could be spent doing something meaningful.
9. The average woman spends 400 hours a year shopping—adding up to 8.5 years over a lifetime.⁹
Imagine what you could do with those years back.
10. Americans spend 2.5 days each year looking for lost items.¹⁰
That’s more than 60 hours spent searching for things like keys, shoes, or chargers.
When every item has a home, you save not just time—but also stress and frustration. Simple systems like labeled baskets, drawer dividers, or a dedicated “drop zone” near the entryway can make everyday life run smoother.
11. 54% of people feel overwhelmed by clutter, and it increases stress hormones—especially for women.¹¹
A clear space truly supports a clear mind.
12. The average home size has more than doubled since 1950.¹²
We’ve built bigger homes not for more people—but for more stuff.
How Owning Less Improves Well-Being
13. Clutter is linked to higher anxiety and lower satisfaction with life.¹³
Decluttering isn’t about perfection—it’s about peace.
14. The average person checks their phone 144 times a day.¹⁴
Digital minimalism counts, too. Simplifying screens helps reclaim focus.
15. People who describe their homes as “cluttered” have higher cortisol levels throughout the day.¹⁵
Cortisol is the body’s main stress hormone—and when it stays elevated, it affects focus, mood, and even sleep. A tidy environment helps signal safety and calm to your brain. Even small steps, like clearing surfaces before bed or making your bed in the morning, can reduce anxiety and set a peaceful tone for the day.
16. Nearly 60% of Americans say they don’t have enough time for themselves.¹⁶
Minimalism gives you back something we all need more of—time to breathe, think, and enjoy your home.
17. 81% of shoppers admit to adding extra items to qualify for free shipping.¹⁷
More stuff, more clutter, more regret. Wait 24 hours before every online purchase—you’ll buy less and love what you keep.
18. The average American household holds over 300,000 items.¹⁸
You don’t have to live that way—and most minimalists say life gets better with each box they donate.
19. Minimalists report feeling 33% happier and more in control of their time.¹⁹
It’s not about deprivation. It’s about intention.
Final Thoughts
Minimalism isn’t about owning the least—it’s about making space for what matters most.
When you own less, you don’t just free up square footage—you free up your calendar, your energy, and your peace of mind. Every item you let go of is a little more time and money you get back.
The numbers say it’s worth it. But more importantly, you’ll feel the difference. If these stats have you feeling inspired, start with one small change:
- Declutter one drawer.
- Cancel one unused subscription.
- Simplify one digital space.
And if you’re ready to dive deeper, here are a few posts that can help you get started:
- 8 Genius Ways To Declutter Clothes Without Regret
- The Slow Declutter Method That Actually Works
- Digital Declutter Checklist: Organize Your Phone, Email, and Computer
- Organize Your Pantry to Make It Pretty and Practical
- 41 Organization Tips That Will Change Your Life
Sources
- LendingTree, 2023
- ClosetMaid Consumer Study, 2023
- Statista Toy Market Report, 2024
- IBISWorld Home Organization Industry Report, 2023
- Feeding America, 2024
- C+R Research Subscription Study, 2023
- Slickdeals Impulse Spending Survey, 2024
- Bureau of Labor Statistics, Time Use Report 2024
- The Daily Mail Shopping Habits Study
- Pixie Lost Items Report, 2023
- UCLA Center on Everyday Lives of Families
- U.S. Census Bureau Housing Trends
- Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin, 2017
- Reviews.org Digital Usage Report, 2023
- UCLA Center on Everyday Lives of Families
- Pew Research Center, 2023
- Digital Commerce 360, 2024
- Los Angeles Times, 2014 estimate
- Minimalism Happiness Study, University of Arizona, 2023
